Huangshan Scenic Area

Huangshan Scenic Area

Huangshan is located about eight li north of Zichuan City. The character "黉" (huáng) historically refers to a school, indicating that Huangshan is a mountain rich in historical and cultural significance. Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the famous military strategist Guiguzi once lived in seclusion here, leaving behind Guigu Cave. His disciples—Sun Bin, Pang Juan, Su Qin, and Zhang Yi—became renowned figures throughout the land. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Confucian scholar Zheng Kangcheng taught his disciples on this mountain, leaving behind the Book-Drying Terrace. According to the Zichuan County Annals, Zheng’s Academy was one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Zichuan. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the great filial son Wang Qiao’s cocoon chamber was also situated in this mountain.

Huangshan is home to many myths and legends. It is said to be the bottom of a golden basin, containing countless treasures, encircled by three bands of purple-gold, which open once every 600 years. This has given rise to the folk rhyme among the people of Zibo: “Open Huangshan, and Shandong will have endless wealth.” This, in turn, has led to the myth of the “Ten Sons Opening the Mountain.” Today, at the Cliff Nook of Huangshan, the three “purple-gold bands” can still be seen.

Huangshan has long been known as the “Little Mount Tai.” The architecture on the mountain is entirely modeled after the layout of Mount Tai. Restored attractions include the Mid-Heaven Gate, South Heaven Gate, Bixia Temple, Zheng’s Academy, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Fairy Maiden Village. Some ancient relics still remain faintly visible and await restoration. Temple fairs are held annually on the third day of the third lunar month, the eighteenth day of the third lunar month, and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. These traditions continue to this day, with devout worshippers, elders burning incense and paper, and paying homage to their ancestors at Bixia Temple and the Jade Emperor Pavilion.

At the southwestern foot of Huangshan lies Fairy Maiden Village, which originates from Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. During temple fair seasons, elders gather to burn incense and pray. On the northern side of Huangshan and the southern side of Zitong Mountain lies the famous spring, White Zitong Spring. Next to the spring now stands the Rear Cave and Nine Maidens Temple, which was demolished during the Cultural Revolution but has since been restored. Near the western side of the Jade Emperor Pavilion is the spot where Qing Dynasty general Sengge Rinchen once watched battles; a battle monument now stands there. The area awaits further development to provide visitors with places to explore and rest.

Huangshan is an isolated mountain, standing 309.94 meters above sea level, covering an area of 4,100 mu, with a vegetation coverage rate of 71%. The lone peak rises abruptly, with the middle of the summit being lower and the surroundings higher. The southern face of the mountain features steep cliffs, presenting a majestic sight. The western part of the mountain shows rain-eroded gullies and naturally weathered rocks, forming scenic landscapes. There are numerous scenic spots, each with unique features, all captivating. When spring breezes blow, peach blossoms bloom, attracting bees and butterflies, creating a transcendent feeling as if entering a fairyland. Soon after, the hillsides are covered with blooming locust flowers, white as snow and fragrant as clouds, filling the air with a refreshing aroma. As autumn turns to winter, standing atop Huangshan, one can look down to see pine waves roaring and green seas surging. Gazing into the distance, the panoramic view of Zichuan unfolds before your eyes—a truly spectacular sight.